8 Days Beijing Xian Guilin Discovery Tour
Tour Overview
This 8-day trip to ChinaĀ is meant to mix its ancient history with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes, offering travelers both culture and scenery. The Beijing Xi’an Guilin tour starts in the capital city – all the highlights from the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer PalaceĀ – are important symbols of the ancient heritage of China. Afterward, take a modern high-speed train to Xi’anĀ – one of the oldest cities in China. You can explore the world-famous Terracotta Warriors – also the eighth wonder in the world; Strolling along the well preserved city walls, taking a glimpse of the past.
When you fly south to Guilin, the journey shifts from history to nature. Guilin is famous for its breathtaking karst landscape. Take a Li River cruiseĀ to Yangshuo and enjoy the scenery on 20 RMB banknote; Hiking on the terraces in LongjiĀ bring you closer to rural life and local ethnic minority culture. This unforgettable China nature tour with historyĀ allows you to experience both the grandeur of ancient dynasties and the beauty of China scenery in one trip.
Travel destinations: Beijing, Xiāan, Guilin
Suitable for: Nature Explorers, History & Culture Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Stroll along the less busy Mutianyu Great Wall, as ancient stone pathways thread through the mountainous ridges. Go to the Temple of Heaven where emperors once came to pray. AppreciateĀ the beauty of its design and cultural significance.
- Spend some time at Tianāanmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, then wander around the Forbidden CityĀ to unwrap the mystery of China’s emperors. Later, climb Jingshan Park for sweeping views of the palace rooftops.
- Be amazed by the Terracotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized soldiers guarding the first emperorās tomb. Visit the BigĀ Wild Goose PagodaĀ for a quieter glimpse into Buddhist culture. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast while watching the colorful Tang Dynasty Show.
- Ride down the Li River, with its misty peaks emerging from the quiet villages – perfect settings for postcard images. With enough time to explore Yangshuo, stroll around West Street, a lively and active road dating back almost 1400 years, lined with shops and cafes, but an example of integrated Chinese and Western cultures.
- Hike around the Longji Rice Terraces, a landscape of brown fields stretching like large staircases rising into the mountains. Watch Yao women perform their Long Hair DanceĀ and walk up to the viewpoint āSeven Stars With Moon,ā which offers panoramic, must-have pictures.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Upon your arrival in Beijing, the local driver will wait for you holding a board with your name at the arrival hall. The pick-up location can also be Beijing Train Station, Beijing Railway Station or Beijing Capital International Airport. After getting on the comfortable car/coach, you will be transferred to your Beijing downtown hotel to check in. The rest day is free for you.
If you have the afternoon time, you can visit the Summer Palace on your own, the largest and most beautiful Chinese imperial garden. It is regarded as a museum of gardens in China. If you would like to experience the boat ride, please just pay for it on the spot. (no tour guide service today)
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: Economic 3* hotel booked by us
- Day 2: Great Wall TourCable-car or Hike up Mutianyu, Step into Emperors' Sacred Footsteps
Picked up by our English-speaking guide and driver from the hotel lobby at 8:30 am, and then drive to Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall is known for its beautiful surroundings ā dense woods and rich pastures changing colors with the seasons of the year. If you want to reach the highest point, the cable car is a good choice (optional); the shuttle bus is also optional for you to save energy and time.
After lunch, transfer you to Temple of Heaven, the largest ancient imperial worship architecture complex in the world, where the ancient emperors prayed for peace and harvest. After the visit, you will be driven back to your hotel around 6:00 pm.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Economic 3* hotel booked by us
Mutianyu Great Wall - Day 3: Beijing to Xian by High-speed TrainWitness Imperial Grandeur from Tian'anmen to Forbidden City's Crown
In the morning, today's schedule starts with Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest square that holds special significance for China. From there, proceed to the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace group. Walk across the street, you will come to Jingshan Park, an imperial garden of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Here you can get a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Forbidden City After lunch, you will be directly sent to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian. (Suggested: G89/15:00-19:12)
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Economic 3* hotel booked by us
- Day 4: Xian History ExplorationMarvel at Terracotta Warriors, Feast on Tang Dynasty Splendor
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and directly start the highlight part of today - Terracotta Warriors, which is located at east suburb of Xian. Known as āthe eighth Wonder of the worldā, the museum shows a surprisingly high level of sculpture. You will spend about 2-2.5 hours here admiring the life-sized clay sculptures, with detailed explanations.
Terracotta Warriors After lunch, go back to downtown to visit some other famous sites: the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and theĀ Xian Museum. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is also a landmark of Xian, built in the Tang Dynasty to store Buddhist sculptures brought from Xuanzang from ancient India. You will also pay a visit to the Xian Museum, where you will appreciate some priceless exhibits to learn history and culture of ancient Xian and even China.
Then drive you to the hotel for a short rest.
Around 6 pm, go for a Dumpling Dinner andĀ Tang Dynasty ShowĀ to make your night beautiful. Finally, our driver will send you back to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dumpling Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable 4* hotel booked by us
- Day 5: Xian to Guilin by FlightTouch Ancient Buddhist Wisdom, Walk through History's Fortress
Today is the last day in Xian. Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, is a 7-storey pagoda constructed to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. Follow your guide to admire its brick architecture and explore the surrounding Da Ci'en Temple.
The Xiāan City Wall, built in the 14th century, is the most complete ancient fortification in China. Stretching 13.7 km, it once served as a military stronghold. Today, visitors can walk or rent bicycles (optional) to ride along the wall, while enjoying views of the old city and modern skyline.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda In the afternoon, you will be led to the Bell and Drum Tower Square, once marked time for ancient Xiāan. Located in the very center of the city, it is the landmark of Xian. A 5-minute walk leads to the Muslim Quarter, where food stalls serve delicious lamb skewers (yangrou chuan), persimmon cakes, pita bread soaked in lamb soup (yangrou paomo), and other Shaanxi specialty foods.
Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. The Guilin driver will wait for you at the arrival hall and send you to your hotel to check in.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable 4* hotel booked by us
- Day 6: Guilin to YangshuoāSail through Guilin's Painted Mountains and Bamboo River Life
In the morning, your Guilin guide will pick you up at your hotel. Todayās highlight, the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, is a 4-hour journey through Chinaās most beautiful karst landscape. When the 3-star cruise passes emerald waters, you can also see water buffalo grazing in rice terraces and cormorant fishermen balancing on bamboo rafts. Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal (20 RMB note scenery) are the most famous scenes.
Li River Cruise Have lunch on the boat. After about 4 hours, you will reach Yangshuo Town. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you to West Street. This street is over 1,400 years old and blends traditional Chinese culture with a touch of Western style. Whether you want to try local food, enjoy the lively night scene, or explore old history, West Street in Yangshuo has something for everyone!
After that, you will be transferred back to your Guilin Hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable 4* hotel booked by us
- Day 7: Guilin to Longji Rice TerracesHike Dragon-backed Terraces, Witness Yao Women's Hair Dance
Today we will spend a whole day at Longji Rice Terraces. Carved into mountains by Zhuang and Yao minorities, it looks like a giant dragon backbone - hence the name "Dragon's Backbone (Longji)." You guide will lead you to hike between local villages, where layered paddies show amazing patterns (spring's mirror-like water, summerās green sea, autumn's golden waves). Don't miss the " Seven Stars With Moon " viewpoint.
We will arrange for you a special Long Hair Show, which will be performed by Yao women. They features their shiny and long hair. Besides, you will gain an insight into the daily lives of Zhuang and Yao minority people.
After the visit, transfer you back to your Guilin downtown hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: ComfortableĀ 4* hotel booked by us
Longji Rice Terraces in Spring - Day 8: Guilin DepartureMarvel at Guilin's Elephant Hill and Crystal-lit Caves
Today is the last day of your 8-day Beijing Xian Guilin tour. Before departing, you will be guided to see Guilin's landmark, Elephant Trunk Hill. It resembles a giant elephant sipping water from the Li River. Next is the Seven Star Park, the largest urban park in Guilin, which blends karst landscapes with rich history.
Last, drive for 20 minutes to reach Reed Flute Cave. Also called the "Nature's Art Palace," it draws visitors with its 180-million-year-old karst formations. You can see various illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. The highlight is the Crystal Palace, the widest place of Reed Flute Cave, 93 meters (305ft) wide. You can see a huge crystal lamp hanging on the hall.
After the visit, you will be dropped off at the airport or train station for your departure.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: N/A
Reed Flute Cave
Tour Price Per Person ($=USD)
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Price includes
- Economy class flight from Xian to Guilin
- High-speed train of Beijing – Xian (second-class)
- Hotels listed in itinerary: 3 nights in Beijing/ 1 night in Xian/ 3 nights in Guilin
- Excellent English-speaking guides
- Transportation in air-conditioned with professional drivers as listed
- All attraction entrance fees as listed
- Chinese-style lunch listed in itinerary (Dumpling dinner on Day 4)
- Chinese tourist insurance
- Government tax
Price excludes
- Personal expenses
- Dinner
- Optional activities (Cable car at the Great Wall)
- Visa or international flights
- Gratuities
- Single supplement charges
- Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary
